Thursday, March 21, 2013

Crimson Flames Blog Tour: Review & Interview w/ Ashley Robertson

Crimson Flames
(Crimson Series, #2) 
by Ashley Robertson
Publication Date: February 25, 2013
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Book Blurb:
Half-vampire Abby Tate is determined to learn more about the sorceress powers that were awakened inside her when she was turned into a vampire—making her a whole new hybrid species. There’s a group of rogue vamps banding together and forming a Resistance against the vampire governing body, The Head Council, and Abby’s newly discovered powers are the key to the Council’s victory. Now the Resistance will do anything possible to remove the hybrid threat, and with no other options, Abby is forced to rely on the aid of the Council, yet can she trust the very vampires that hunt for her human lover? And even worse, can she fight the unwelcome attraction that’s growing between her and one of those ancient vampire rulers?




Action, adventure, magic, and page melting scenes are what awaits in Crimson Flames. Abby is back and better than ever! In Crimson Groves Abby learned that she is not quite "normal" and she is bound and determined to figure out what that means. She was turned into a vampire (against her will - BTW) and then learned that she has powers- and that she is the only one of her type. Not to mention the people who want her dead or to use her powers for themselves. Abby's journey of self-discovery reveals many things not only about herself, but about those around her. I love that she is able to take whatever is thrown at her; she is one of my favorite female heroines - think Lara Croft and Selene from Underworld - yeah, she is that cool!

In CG, Abby learned that Tyler, her human friend that she is in love with, betrayed her multiple times and was working for Bronx, the evil vampire that turned Abby. He keeps insisting that he is innocent and runs. I don't like Tyler and never really did and finally Abby can see him for who he is and let him go and move on. With the help of Stone and Tristan, she attempts to find answers from the Vampire Council. Abby is asked by the almighty Vampire Council to help them fight against the Resistance (the rogues Bronx was with). Abby is not sure what to do or if she should get in the middle of a war, but they put her in the middle and she is constantly trying to stay alive because she has the power to defeat the Resistance, like it or not.

However, meeting with the Council isn't all bad; Abby is reconnected with her mother's spirit through an Elder on the Council. Although Abby isn't sure about trusting her, but she realizes that her mom only wants to help her and show her her true potential. Not only does she meet her mom, but Trace is back in the picture *swoon* and she finds herself attracted to him, but does not jump into his arms right away. I really love Trace, he is patient and kind and so hot! Abby is on a journey to find out who she is and she takes her time and learns who is trustworthy and who is not. I commend her for wanting to do things on her own and not be rescued by a man even if they are all sexy men who are ready to help her whenever...

I have read all of Ashley Robertson's books and she is a wonderful writer. I can see the growth and maturity in her writing between Crimson Groves and Crimson Flames. She is able to create stories that take on so many levels and clearly ties everything together. There is never a dull moment in Crimson Flames and I didn't want it to end. I love this series and anyone who likes vampires, magic, hot men, and a strong female will love this book. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to see what Abby will do next - there will be a third book, right??

FTC Advisory: I was given a copy of this book from the author for an honest review as part of a blog tour. No backroom deals or whispered promises were made.



1. First, a quickie: give us the genre of your Crimson series and a tagline in 30 words or less.
A MUST READ paranormal romance series.
2. What inspired you to write the Crimson series, specifically?
I’ve always loved vampires so when Abby kept pestering me with her unique story, I knew I needed to type it up right away.
3. Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your latest book Crimson Flames.
There’s more ass kicking, more hot-n-spicy romance, and lots of action-packed scenes.

4. Who is your favorite character in the series thus far? Why? Is it the same character from both books? Currently my fave character is Abby. She’s stronger now that she’s embraced the fact that she’s a vampire hybrid and she isn’t taking any more crap from anyone. She’s made some tough decisions that could end up getting her killed, but she doesn’t let her fear stand in the way of doing what’s right. I’m very proud of how Abby has become more confident in herself and her powers, and she’s gotten a lot feistier too.

5. Who is your least favorite character? Has it changed from book one to book two??
In both books, Tyler has driven me absolutely crazy. I constantly want to kick his ass.

6. What books and authors have most influenced your life and writing?
Richelle Mead, Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, Karen Marie Moning, Dean Koontz, Laurell K. Hamilton, Kresley Cole’s Arcana series, Nalini Singh

7. If you could be a supernatural, what kind would you be and why?
Definitely a vampire. Simply because I’m obsessed with them.
8. If you could change ONE thing about your novel Crimson Flames, what would it be? Why?
I’m really happy with the way Crimson Flames turned out. However, there were a few things about Crimson Groves that bothered me and I’m working with my editor to make those changes and re-release the new version next month (April 2013)

9. What is the hardest part of writing?
Editing.

10. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?
I could go on forever here and totally make this question a guest blog post. But in an effort to keep things short, here are a few important bullet points that are a MUST:

1. Finish your manuscript! Whether you want to publish traditionally or self-pub, you’ve got to have a completed book on your hands before you can do anything else.

2. Hire a professional editor! Not your friend! You want someone that will shoot straight with you and not give a damn if they hurt your feelings because at the end of the day, you want your book as good as it can be for your readers, right? I use Stephen Delaney with Close Reader Editing Services and he’s pretty badass. 

3. If you’re not a graphic designer and can’t manipulate artwork on a computer, then hire a cover designer! People really do judge a book by its cover, so you need it to look as good on the outside as it is on the inside. I use Claudia with Phatpuppyart.com and she can do some pretty amazing things with graphics.


If you want a sneak peak at chapter one go here!


Ashley Robertson resides in sunny Orlando, Florida and loves reading and writing about everything urban fantasy and paranormal romance. When she is not writing you'll find her spending time with family and friends, training in her home gym, traveling and exploring new places, drinking fine red wines, and making gourmet coffees with her Nespresso machine. Visit her website to learn about her upcoming releases, guest blog posts, and featured giveaways at: AshleyRobertsonBooks.com

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1 comment:

  1. Yes, there will definitely be a 3rd book :-) But there are a few other projects before that.

    ReplyDelete

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